The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Professor Chituru Godwill Orluwene as the new Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State.
Wike described the appointment as well deserved and timely, noting that it reflects President Tinubu’s continued confidence in qualified Nigerians and his support for Rivers State. He also expressed gratitude to the President for finding another Rivers indigene worthy of a key federal appointment.
The Minister’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka.
According to Wike, President Tinubu has consistently shown love for Rivers State and its people through several appointments and development-focused decisions. He said the people of the state remain appreciative of the President’s leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
“The President has consistently demonstrated his love for Rivers State and its people, and we will keep supporting him to continue with his good governance,” Wike said.
He described the appointment of Professor Orluwene as a case of “putting a round peg in a round hole,” stressing that the new CMD’s experience and background make him suitable for the role.
Wike urged Professor Orluwene to use his wealth of knowledge and professional experience to further improve the standard of healthcare services at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration places strong emphasis on improving public services, including healthcare, education and infrastructure, while ensuring efficient management of public institutions.
The Minister also thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for recommending Professor Orluwene for the position. He noted that the recommendation showed confidence in Orluwene’s ability to lead one of the most important teaching hospitals in the South-South region.
“I congratulate Prof Orluwene on this appointment and urge him to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in UPTH to ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians,” Wike said.
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital is a major federal health institution located in Alakahia, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Established to serve as a training centre for medical students of the University of Port Harcourt and other health professionals, UPTH also provides specialist and referral healthcare services to Rivers State and neighbouring states in the Niger Delta.
Over the years, the hospital has played a key role in medical training, research and advanced healthcare delivery in southern Nigeria. However, like many public hospitals across the country, UPTH has faced challenges such as funding constraints, infrastructure needs and pressure from a growing population.
Professor Chituru Godwill Orluwene is a seasoned medical professional and academic, with years of experience in teaching, research and hospital administration. His appointment is seen by many stakeholders as an opportunity to reposition UPTH for better service delivery and improved working conditions for staff.
Wike, who previously served as Governor of Rivers State for eight years before his appointment as FCT Minister, has remained vocal on national issues, especially those affecting Rivers State and the Niger Delta region.
Since assuming office as FCT Minister, he has continued to express support for President Tinubu’s policies, while also highlighting the importance of fairness and inclusion in federal appointments.
They also note that appointments such as that of Professor Orluwene help strengthen confidence in the federal government among professionals and youths from the region.
In Rivers State, news of the appointment has been welcomed by many residents, health workers and members of the academic community. Some have expressed hope that the new CMD will focus on upgrading facilities, improving staff welfare and ensuring better patient care.
They argue that leadership alone is not enough without proper investment in equipment, staff training and maintenance of facilities.
For Professor Orluwene, the task ahead is seen as demanding but achievable, given his background and the expectations of both government and the public.
As he assumes office, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his leadership aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and whether it leads to visible improvements in the services provided by the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Wike’s message ended with a call for teamwork, urging the new CMD to work with management, staff unions, government agencies and other partners to move the hospital forward.
The appointment, many believe, is not only a personal achievement for Professor Orluwene but also a moment of pride for Rivers State and an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system at a critical time.
The statement was signed by Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, and dated December 16, 2025.